As the weather is getting warmer and humidity increases in the environment, our skin’s sebaceous glands start producing excessive amounts of natural oil. The secreted oil gets stuck on the surface of the skin, leading to stickiness, grease and blocked pores. Our skin starts to change as sweltering summer approaches meaning summer skincare needs to be an important part of your daily routine.
In this season, you need extra protection from rashes, sunburns, persistent tan, and acne if there is exposure to extreme heat and humidity. People with oily skin are more prone to these issues as the bacteria and oils in the skin mix with one’s sweat causing clogged pores and acne. Exposure to UV rays results in the production of melanin which darkens the skin tone. It is advisable to have to avoid skin-related problems.
That is why one must take good care of their skin. Let us have a look at some of the summer skincare tips and routines that you can follow in your daily skincare regimen.
Use a gentle cleanser
In summer the skin is prevalent, it starts releasing more sebum, a type of natural oil. Excess oil and sweat secretion during summer, block skin pores and do not allow the skin to breathe properly. No matter whether you have dry skin or sensitive skin, you always feel some greasiness in your skin. So, for your summer skincare, it is very important to cleanse your skin with a mild cleanser.
Cleansing your face twice a day with a mild, gentle cleanser to remove dirt, sweat, and excess oil. Avoid using harsh or drying cleansers, as they can strip your skin of its natural oils and cause irritation. Look for products specifically formulated for your skin type.
Exfoliate
As your skin is more exposed to the sun and higher temperatures in summer, your skin becomes more prone to breakouts or clogged pores. So, as a part of your summer skincare, exfoliating helps you a lot. Exfoliating twice a week can help get rid of dead skin cells, sweat and dirt that could potentially clog your pores.
However, you should not over-exfoliate, as it can irritate your skin and cause more harm than good. Once a week is sufficient for most skin types, but if you have oily or acne-prone skin, you may need to exfoliate more often.
Moisturise regularly
Even though it is hot, your skin still needs hydration or moisture. That is the basic tip to consider when it comes to your summer skincare. The hot and dry weather makes your skin lose its natural moisture and makes it not only dry but irritated.
But heavy moisturisers can feel suffocating on the skin during the summer months. Switch to lightweight, oil-free formulas that will provide hydration without clogging your pores. Look for products that contain hyaluronic acid or glycerin, which attract and retain moisture in the skin.
Protect your skin from sun
Sun damage is one of the biggest culprits of premature ageing and skin cancer. Make sunscreen a key part of your summer skincare routine.
Use broad-spectrum sunscreen with at least SPF 50 every day, even when it is cloudy. Sunscreens also prevent sun tanning which is necessary to keep the skin safe from the UVB rays of the sun. It is important to use sunscreen 20 minutes before you step out of the sun.
It is advised that one should follow the two-finger rule. For this, one needs to take two lines of sunscreen directly onto your index and middle fingers first, starting from the base of the fingers which connects to the palm, until the very tips. Then you use this to apply to your face and neck. With this amount, you are sure to be protecting your skin. Reapplying sunscreen every two hours will ensure that your skin is happy and healthy.
Hydrate from the inside out
Summertime is always the best time of the year to enjoy being outdoors. However, before you start enjoying summer, it is important to remember the importance of staying properly hydrated. Hydration is always important, but especially in hot and humid weather you need to include it in your summer skincare routine, as you tend to lose a lot of your body fluids through sweat.
Staying hydrated is key to healthy skin, especially during the summer when you are more prone to dehydration. Drink plenty of water throughout the day and eat water-rich foods like fruits and vegetables. This will not only keep your skin hydrated but also improve your overall health.
Wear breathable fabrics
Wearing breathable fabrics is an essential summer skincare tip for you. The worst part of this hot weather is the sticky and sweaty feeling as your body sweats a lot to cope with the heat. So wearing light and loose clothing made of fabrics like cotton, linen, and seersucker works best during the summer.
Avoid tight-fitting garments in synthetic fabrics. These can increase your discomfort and make you sweat more, which in turn makes the skin itchy and can lead to infections.
So, during this season garments made of breathable fabrics are the best materials to wear. This ensures that the wearer is comfortable during the rise in temperatures and humid conditions.
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Originally published on June 19, 2023.
